Collectors won't want to miss the US $20.00 gold coins from 1907 and 1908, when the transition was underway from the Liberty Head motif to the iconic design by American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, featuring a fierce and majestic eagle in flight reversing to the elegant figure of Liberty bearing an olive branch. A 1907 $20.00 gold coin from the last year of Liberty Head production is estimated at $1,400-$1,600, while a $20.00 piece from the same year with the newer Saint-Gaudens design is offered at $1,800 to $2,000 (NGC MS62, no motto). A highlight for collectors is the 1908 Saint-Gaudens $20.00 gold piece ($2,000-$2,200) engraved with the motto "In God We Trust." B A leading auction highlight from the collection of Dr. Eldon Ream is the very rare 1895 ("S," San Francisco) US Morgan silver dollar in uncirculated condition, estimated at $1,500-$2,000. The Morgan dollar is "by far the most widely collected and traded numismatic coin in the world" (Louis Golino, CoinWeek.com). For many collectors, the 1895 coin is the key to completing their Morgan dollar sets, and bidding should be intense for this lot. Dr. Ream also collected European coins during his study abroad in Salzburg, Austria. These will be auctioned on August 12 and include a 1915 uncirculated Austria 100 corona gold coin ($1,200-$1,400). Additional foreign gold coins range in date from the 19th century to the 1980s. Inquiries are encouraged by specialist Michael Rosenberg, who can be reached at 510-227-2502.

Collectible clocks are highly sought at auction, and a truly spectacular opportunity for collectors in August with the pavilion style automaton mechanical clock, estimated to sell for $80,000-$100,000. The design of this gilded confection was inspired by the splendor of the Orient. Elephants in ceremonial dress form its feet.

California Impressionist William Franklin Jackson (1850-1936) is Michaan's featured fine artist in August. His "California Landscape with Poppies and Lupine" ($10,000-$15,000) would make a fine addition to any collection of American Impressionist paintings. With its colorful indigenous wild perennials including the state flower, the work will have a special appeal to Californians.

Beautiful Chinese furniture to be sold includes items of rosewood such as the table and chair estimated at $3,000-$4,000. Garden stools of colorful famille rose porcelain are offered at $800-$1,200 for the pair. A collection of five stellar Yixing stoneware pieces will attract many bids with its lovely decoration and details. A fascinating lot for collectors is the cloisonné production process kit, a set of seven small vases that reveal the progressive stages of cloisonné enamel creation from start to finish ($300-$400). Superbly detailed decorative art objects include a carved white coral maiden and a mixed-metal pumpkin form covered box. Collectibles also include precious snuff bottles carved of jade, amethyst, quartz and carnelian. Antique Buddhist figures are highlighted, with estimates ranging from $400 to $3,000. Embroidered silks and archaistic bronze pieces can be found among the treasures from China; from Japan, a carp form kettle hanger carved of wood ($300-$400).

Jewelry buyers will find brilliant gemstones, precious metals, and wearable estate pieces in the assortment of fine jewelry. Jewelry for gentlemen is always in high demand among auction bidders, who will vie for the coveted cultured pearl dress set from G.T. Marsh & Company. Established as a fine Asian art dealer in 1876, the firm also offered unique fine jewelry to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. The handsome pearl dress set features white gold and Marsh's signature patinated steel, a look for which their designs are known and loved; it is estimated at $800 to $1,200. Another estate find is the collection of jeweled gold stickpins ($300-$500). Sparkling rings include diamond and aquamarine styles; a sapphire and diamond ring is estimated at $500-$700.

Fine silver is a perennial bestseller and collectors will find compelling options in August. Featured flatware includes a 72-piece Danish set by K.A. Rasmussen ($1,500-$2,000, with silver chest) and Christofle's "Marly" (121 pieces, $1,500-$2,000). Mexican sterling lots include a coffee and tea service ($1,500-$2,000) and an elegant two-handled centerpiece ($1,200-$1,500) in the International ("Jensen") style.

Of particular interest collectors is the pair of bronze Polynesian-themed candelabra ($800-$1,200) designed and signed by the late Victor Bergeron of "Trader Vic's" fame. For more visit Click here

About Michaan's Auctions

Michaan's Auctions is a leading, full service auction house on the West Coast specializing in the appraisal and sale of antiques and fine art. Some of Michaan's specialty departments include Asian Works of Art, Furniture and Decorative Arts, Modern & Contemporary European and American Paintings/Prints and Jewelry.